Greetings
Howdy folks! from Duane Steele
It's been a while since we've chatted.
Lot's has been happening over the Spring and Summer related to getting the
new Album in stores.

Beside the regular shows I did this summer, I want to tell you about some
special shows I did for our troops in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Check out the
next article.

Coming up in October, Big Mike Callan and I are hitting the road doing a
radio tour to promote our new albums. October 1st, we're heading out to the
Maritimes and will make our way back through Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
and be back in Alberta by mid October. Keep listening to your favorite
country radio station to find out when we'll be in your area.
I'll be look'in for you on the road!
Duane Steele

Bosnia - Canada DayI had the opportunity to go an play a couple of dates in Bosnia and
Herzegovina earlier this year. Not only was it a fantastic trip, it was
great to be able to take a bit of home to some fine folks working overseas
for our Country and for the Bosnians themselves.

I was accompanied on this tour by Lisa Cameron a great artist from Ontario
who has been on several tours like this before , so it was good to have an
experienced world traveller to work with.

It was great to see the progress being made in Sarajevo and Bihac with the
help of our Military and others from around the world.

Heres to a great future for the fine people of Bosnia and Herzegovina!

New Album / New ReleaseThe new album, called Ghost Town was released and in stores July 4th.

The first single Comin' Back Around was released to radio on April 7th and
made it to #20 on the Country Music News chart, #25 on the Mediabase chart
and #28 on the BDS chart.

The second single, Ghost town, was released to radio September 1st and is
tracking well. Give it a listen and please request it from your local radio
station.
Check out my website by clicking on the link below for sample clips of all
the tunes from Ghost Town.
Check Out "Ghost Town"Tour DatesOctober 1 - 22 Radio Tour with Big Mike Callan
October 27 Hudson Hope, BC
October 28 Spirit River, AB

Road Hammers pound rivals at Canadian
Country

Music Awards show in New
Brunswick.

CMT Video of the Year winners for East Bound and Down, by The Road
Hammers, from left, Corbett Frasz, Clayton Bellamy, Jason McCoy and Chris
Byrne celebrate their award at the Canadian Country Music Awards Monday.
(CP/Jacques Boissinot)

Chris Morris, Canadian Press
Published: Monday, September 11, 2006
SAINT JOHN, N.B. (CP) - The rocking country group Road Hammers pounded their
competition as the Canadian Country Music Association honoured its brightest
stars at a gala awards show Monday night.

Big hats, big hair and sequined jackets dominated as the stars of Canadian
country music played to a packed house in Saint John, the first East Coast
venue for the awards show in 20 years.

"I know I'm in the Maritimes," said singer Anne Murray, as she received a
standing ovation in the Harbour Station arena.
"Home at last."

The Road Hammers' hard-driving mix of country, rock and blues earned its
four members top group award for the second consecutive year.

The group, fronted by Toronto resident Jason McCoy, also won video of the
year.

The wins are icing on the cake for the Hammers, who collected a Juno in
April for country recording of the year.

The annual awards ceremony started off with a bang as the Road Hammers
performed their current single "Girl on the Billboard."

Performances by Nova Scotia's George Canyon and Alberta's Carolyn Dawn
Johnson were followed by their wins for male and female artist of the year,
with Canyon also picking up the single-of-the-year award for "Somebody Wrote
Love."

"First off, I'd like to give a big thanks to the Lord, Jesus Christ, for
everything
He has given me," the lanky Canyon said as he accepted the award for song of
the year.

For Canyon, 35, it was a continuation of the enormous success he has enjoyed
since he catapulted to fame almost three years ago as runner-up on the
American country talent show, Nashville Star.

Prior to his discovery on the Idol-type show, Canyon struggled for 14 years
for recognition.

Last year at the Canadian Country Music Awards, Canyon stole the show with
four big wins, including the coveted fan's choice as top entertainer.

This year, the Kraft Cheez Whiz Fans' Choice Award, voted on by fans from
coast to coast, was won by Montreal-born Terri Clark, who grew up in
Medicine Hat, Alta.

Clark, a singer and songwriter known both for her soft ballads and rocking
country tunes, set a record by winning the award for the sixth time.

Murray didn't perform, but she gave a touching tribute to her manager Bruce
Allen, who was given an international achievement award, and to record
producer Brian Ahern, who was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Ahern, who was raised in Halifax, went on to produce albums for a number of
artists, including his former wife Emmylou Harris and Murray.

Albertan Corb Lund and his band performed the title track from "Hair In My
Eyes Like A Highland Steer," which was named album of the year.

Lund also won roots artist of the year.
This year's Chevy Trucks Rising Star of the Year winner, Johnny Reid, walked
away not only with the award but also a 2007 truck, courtesy of the
presenting sponsor.

PART ( 2 ) Chris Morris, Canadian Press
Published: Monday, September 11, 2006
Reid also won two major independent artist awards, including top male artist
and best song, "Missing an Angel."
Reid, who was born in Glasgow, Scotland, but moved to Brampton, Ont., when
he was a teenager, thanked Canada for letting him live his dream.

"I am humbled by this country I came to, seeking opportunity," Reid said,
thanking his wife and his "wee" boys at home.

The two-hour show, broadcast on CBC, featured a whirlwind of live
performances by an all-Canadian cast of performers.
No big-name U.S. groups were available for the show because of 9-11
commemorative events in the United States.

The show will be aired on country networks in the United States and
Australia.
Regina will play host to the awards show next year. SAINT JOHN, N.B. (CP) - Winners from the Canadian Country
Music Awards on Monday night: Fan's Choice Award: Terri Clark.
Female Artist: Carolyn Dawn Johnson.
Male Artist: George Canyon.
Group or Duo: Road Hammers.
Album of Year: Hair In My Eyes Like A Highland Steer, recorded
by Corb Lund.

Single of the Year: Somebody Wrote
Love, recorded by George Canyon.

SOCAN Songwriters of the Year: Brett
James, Hillary Lindsey & Gordie
Sampson for Jesus, Take The Wheel recorded by Carrie Underwood.

CMT Video of the Year: East Bound
and Down, The Road Hammers.
Roots Artist or Group: Corb Lund.

Anne Murray, a Canadian Country Music Hall of
Fame inductee, will be on stage at the Saint John Harbour Station venue to
induct into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, her former Singalong
Jubilee musical director and the producer of her first 10 albums, Brian
Ahern, as well as present the Leonard T. Rambeau Award for International
Achievement to her manager Bruce Allen. Murray’s connection to both will
create a special moment that acknowledges the extraordinary accomplishments
of each of these internationally recognized music industry legends.
Who is making the CCMA Awards and Country Music Week
a Family Affair?

Multi-CCMA Awards nominee and CCMA Awards performer Johnny Reid is bringing
not only his wife and children, including newborn son Dylan, but also his
mom, dad and grandma. Grandma Margaret Reid is traveling to Canada from
Scotland for the first time in many years. This will be her first time
seeing Johnny perform live.
For more info ( Click here ) www.ccma.org

CANADIAN COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS 2006 The Canadian Country Music Association Awards will take place Monday,
September 11 at Harbour Station in Saint John, NB. To anchor the night, the
2006 Awards Show producers are breaking tradition with a unique “no host”
format.

Leading this year’s nominee list is BC’s Aaron Pritchett, nominated for six
CCMA Awards in the Male Artist, Album, SOCAN Songwriter, and Single of the
Year categories, plus Independent Male and Independent Single of the Year.
Close behind are Brad Johner, Johnny Reid and The Road Hammers, who each
received five CCMA Awards nominations.

A strong year of achievement and growth for country delivered a long list of
artists that have each achieved multiple nominations in CCMA Awards
categories, including four each for Terri Clark, Corb Lund, The Cruzeros and
Amanda Wilkinson.

The 2006 CCMA Awards broadcast will air across Canada on September 11
at 8PM (8:30NT) on CBC Television.
more info click here. (
http://www.cbc.ca/ccma/ )

Randy
Travis will perform at the Craven Country Jamboree near Regina,
Saskatchewan, Canada, along with Travis Tritt, Gord Bamford and Joe Nichols.
The July 13th through July 16th festival will also
feature Alan Jackson, Big & Rich, Sawyer Brown, Randy Travis, Craig Morgan,
Restless Heart, Amanda Wilkinson, Little Texas, Corb Lund and the Hurtin’
Albertans, Freddy Fender, and the comedy duo of Williams and Ree, who will
host the event.

Pre-order the CD "Ghost Town"We're headed out this week to do the photo shoot so the album
will be ready for delivery near the end of June.

I want to make a special offer to all my fans; if you pre-order the
new CD from my website, you'll receive your copy of Ghost Town and,
as a bonus, I'll also send you an 8x10 photo; both autographed.Click Here
New Album / New ReleaseThe new album is called Ghost Town and has ten brand new
tracks on it.
1. Comin' Back Around
2. Ghost Town
3. Blue Collar Man
4. Real Close
5. Bustin' Out
6. Livin' Backwards
7. Two People In A Room
8. What D'ya Say
9. The Man Who Never Wakes Up
10. Ode to Dad

The first single Comin' Back Around was released to radio on April
7th so please request it from you local station and give it a
listen.
Check out my website by clicking on the link below for sample clips
of all the tunes from Ghost Town.
PS: If you're wondering about why there's no album cover or graphics
yet, it's because our photo shoot got cancelled because of the
blizzard we had in March. We'll be shooting in a real Ghost Town in
the next week or so.

Check out Ghost Town Tunes
Canadian Country Countdown
I'm guest hosting Canadian Country Countdown this weekend, April 8th
so give it a listen.
You'll be able to hear the debut of Comin' Back Around on Canadian
radio. I hope you like it.

The 27-year-old country musician had a #1 record on his hometown
radio station, while he was still in high school. Now, years later, the Fort
McMurray, AB native hasn't forgotten his working class north Canadian roots.
His latest album, Waitin' On The Wonderful, merges the sparkle of innocence
with the earthy instrumentation that's indicative of the heartland's
simplicity.

Amanda Wilkinson - Amanda Wilkinson Universal South*Universal

The former member of family group The Wilkinsons, which had a top
single with "26¢," Amanda has stepped out on her own with this eponymously-titled
debut. The 21-year-old has toured extensively and cites influences as
diverse as John Fogerty to Etta James. Still, she remains true to her
country roots, while exploring a new sound.

Hey, Do You Know Me - Lisa Brokop Curb*EMI

Hey Do You Know Me is the title track and most appropriate for
Brokop's sixth major studio album. In a career that has spanned nearly half
her life, she is an industry veteran, having released her major label debut
during the country days of the mid '90s. The award-winning singer/songwriter
co-wrote all but two of the songs on her new album.

Life Goes On - Terri Clark Mercury*Universal

Graced with three platinum albums, Clark is one of the most unique
voices in country music. She is one of the very few female country artists
who is an accomplished guitarist, a rarity in country music. Clark is also
the first Canadian female to have been inducted into the prestigious Grand
Ole' Opry. Her seventh album is entitled Life Goes On.

WINNER The Road Hammers - The Road Hammers Open
Road*Universal

The five-piece band is a no-nonsense mix of country, southern rock
and blues, singing songs of maverick culture and the open road. The
brainchild of Jason McCoy, the 2004 CCMA male vocalist of the year, then
enlisted Clayton Bellamy and Chris Byrne. The band's self-titled album is a
mix of truckin' classics and originals.
Your Australian Countrymusic Connection in Canada
richard drumdee patterson
email: cancountrynews@yahoo.com
Ottawa Ontario CANADA.

Ol’ Ugly, a New Old Rising
Star

What started out as a hobby on the
cowboy festival trail is turning into a full time job in the
entertainment world for the Nanton, Alberta, Canada country
comedian, Ol’ Ugly.

“I was told I was too old to keep up with those bobbing and weaving
leather covered fanny cheeks of the country women entertainers and
the sleeveless jean shirts of the country men so I headed for the
cowboy festivals here in the west as a storyteller,” says Ol’ Ugly.
“The next thing I know is them baby boomers and older country people
who remember what country entertainment and funnin’ used to be in
the good old days started calling me out to their shows and
gatherings. Not only that, but they insisted on paying me! That’s
not something I mind at all.”

And people are noticing too. Ol’ Ugly is an old time country
comedian. His comedy is fit for human consumption around a good ole
farm boy or gal. “Naw, it isn’t squeaky clean,” he will tell you,
“but you ain’t going to be hearing no cussing and swearing either.”
His storytelling style of comedy reminds people of Jerry Clowers of
Grand Ole Opry fame or Red Skelton and maybe a touch like a Charlie
Farquson.

The country people seem to have taken him in like an old dog on a
wet night and Ol’ Ugly (real name John Glawson) is being asked to
travel farther and farther away from home to do shows. To date, in
2006, he has performed from Bow Island in the south to Drayton
Valley in the northern part of Alberta and then gone over the big
hills to perform in Salmon Arm, Merritt, 100 Mile House, and 70 Mile
House in B.C. Before the summer will have rolled around he will have
looked out at audiences in such places as the Peace River country of
Alberta; Prince Albert, Saskatchewan; Domain, Manitoba before
heading back to B.C. for a show in Clinton and on to a couple of
conventions in Banff, Alberta. Then it is time out for another
recording and a cowboy festival or two during this spring and
summer.

Speaking of his recordings, much of the show requests come because
people have heard his routines and tall tales on his CDs, “Ol’ Ugly
at the Old Barn Opry” and “I Remember When Me and Blue . . .” It
seems there is a large segment of the population who has been
ignored over the years and now here comes a fella on them CDs who
reminds them of the country entertainment of years gone by and they
can’t seem to get enough of this character, Ol’ Ugly.

“Some of them are even asking when my new one is coming out and all
this is getting kinda confusin’ at times, let me tell you,” Ol’ Ugly
says.

“I was told I needed an agent to look after the business side of
this stuff so I started looking around. Most of the ones I could
find never as much as returned my calls and the ones who did when
they saw my white beard and bald head couldn’t get away from me fast
enough.

Well, I can’t say all of them ignored me. A couple e-mailed me
looking for a bar room comedian, but I ain’t one of them. My kinda
audience will sit on their back porch and have their beer. I ain’t
got a problem with folks having a beer or two, but the bar room
crowd ain’t the kinda audience that takes to my comedy.”

But you put Ol’ Ugly up in front of an agricultural banquet, a
senior’s BBQ, a country festival, tractor pull or rodeo crowd where
folks are looking for fun without being insulted or being the brunt
of a joke and he is in his element. And if you have entertainers the
likes of Stompin Tom, Rita McNeil, Roy Clark or maybe even one of
them good young entertainers like a Paul Brandt or George Canyon on
stage with him and he is in entertainment heaven.

His tall tales and joking around have the habit of making people
forget their troubles and if you take a look at his web page
www.country-comedian.com you will see there are plenty of people who
want Ol’ Ugly to help them forget their troubles.

He says, “I guess you can say I’ve found my niche in this old
entertainment world, baby boomers; baby boomers who miss their kind
of entertainment. When they come up to me and tell me I am the
funniest storyteller they have ever heard, I am not sure that is
true, but it does tell me I am on the right track with a large
segment of the country population who are looking to be entertained.
And when they say I’ve made them forget their troubles for just a
few minutes, then I know I’m where I want to be.”

Richard Drumdee PattersonJoins the DOWN-UNDER CLUB of CANADA Events
Committee in Ottawa.
His first event production will be to Produce a BUSH DANCE for Australia Day
January 26th 2006.

Congratulations Keith Urban another good year at the top in America and
around the world.

Curtis Cowen and his band The Rockers are from
Vancouver, BC, Canada. We are available locally and nationally, for clubs,
hotels, festivals, and corporate functions. With a mix of Country and
Classic Rock, plus originals from Curtis' debut album recorded in Nashville,
TN. Not only the whole package, but a different kind of package.

Danny Mack “Country
Music Hall Of Fame”

We at Dakotamack Inc. are proud to
announce that on Sunday, October 16th 2005 Danny Mack (The Cement
City Cowboy) will be inducted into the “Country Music Hall Of Fame”
in his home province of British Columbia Canada by the B.C.C.M.A.
(British Columbia Country Music Association).
Regards,
Bonnie Dakota McCartney (President)
Dakotamack Inc.
Phone: 604-687-5217
Fax: 604-687-7185
E-mail: dakotamack@telus.net
Website: www.dannymack.com

Canadian Country Music Hall of
Famer Don Grashey has passed away, at home in Thunder Bay, Ontario,
Monday, September 12. He was 79. Ironically his death has occurred
on the day the 2005 Canadian Country Music Awards were being
presented in Calgary; and comes only 10 days after the death of his
longtime music business partner Chuck Williams,

Don Grashey is recognized for 'discovering" Loretta Lynn and signed
the future country star to his fledgling Zero Records label. He
subsequently managed the careers of Canadian Country Music Hall of
Famers Myrna Lorrie and Carroll Baker. Grashey was also a prolific
songwriter, most notably co-writing the country hit "Are You Mine",
recorded my many Canadian and Nashville duet acts.
Don Grashey was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of
Fame in 1989.
An in-depth Obituary / Tribute on Don Grashey and Chuck Williams
will be published in the October, 2005 edition of COUNTRY MUSIC
NEWS. www.countrymusicnews.ca
Your Australian Countrymusic Connection in Canada
richard drumdee patterson
email: cancountrynews@yahoo.com
Ottawa Ontario CANADA. Corb LundHair In My Eyes Like A Highland Steer Tour
Toronto, ON – There’s no time for the truck to get stuck! With just
three
weeks until the release date of Corb Lund’s new cd, Hair In My Eyes Like
A
Highland Steer (released on Stony Plain Records, September 6th),

BILLBOARD MAGAZINE August 13, 2005 New Canadian Acts Wait Out Q4 Congestion BY LARRY LEBLANCTORONTO - Developing acts could lose out as Canadian labels and
broadcasters
prepare for the key fourth quarter.

A glut of domestic product is raising fears that emerging acts will be
squeezed off the radio during what is typically the year's prime sales period.

The situation is complicated by the requirements of Canada's Broadcast Act,
under which radio must play a minimum amount of domestically produced content.
Stations say they often rely on established stars to meet their quotas,
crowding out newer acts.

"The fall rush has started," says Wayne Webster, music director at adult top
40 station CKFM in Toronto. "We're getting singles now, so when the album hits
in September everybody is aware. But we're also seeing new acts not releasing
[records] because they could be lost in the fall shuffle."

Universal Music Canada director of national promotion Jeremy Summers says
mid-July has become the time to start servicing radio with tracks from major
fourth-quarter releases.

"We want to be at mass saturation with a second single on Dec. 5," Summers
explains. "It takes us five weeks to get there; that works out to Nov. 1 to
service it. The first single might last 20 weeks. That works out to July 15 for
release of the first single."

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission "CanCon"
quotas mean that all new domestic recordings compete against each other for
airplay.

A recording is considered to be CanCon if it meets two of four criteria: It
contains music composed by a Canadian, it contains lyrics written by a
Canadian, it is performed or sung primarily by a Canadian, or it was recorded in
Canada.

BIG ACTS FILL QUOTAS
Since Jan. 3, 1999, the CanCon quota for English-language commercial radio
stations has been 35%. However, most stations licensed in the past five years
have a quota of 40%.

With a heavy load of CanCon singles leading the fourth quarter, broadcasters
here—particularly at mainstream rock, modern rock and adult top 40
stations—are meeting their quotas with selections from such established Canadian
acts as
Our Lady Peace, the Trews, Sum 41, Matthew Good, the Arcade Fire and Simple
Plan.

"We just don't have room right now for new acts," says Don Mitchell, music
director at modern rock CFNY in Toronto. "I have labels grinding me over stuff
that we are not playing. It's not a case [of] we don't like some of it; it's a
case [of] we don't have room on our playlists. We have so many priorities
right now."

The problem is unlikely to ease soon, with releases by Canadian heavyweights
the Tragically Hip, Nickelback and Pilate on the way.

"Every major alternative core act is coming out now," Mitchell says.

"There is so much Canadian product from majors, indies, established acts and
breaking artists now," Warner Music Canada VP of radio promotion Steve Coady
says. "It's different than it has ever been."

"There are records crossing over from other formats into" adult top 40, he
adds, noting that there are adult top 40 stations "playing Our Lady Peace and
some playing new [rock] singles by Sum 41 and Simple Plan, which are new to the
format."

Programmers and label sources concur that new domestic acts face significant
obstacles at Canadian radio, particularly those on independent labels that
lack extensive promotional and marketing support.

Labels confirm they are holding back releases by new acts until the new year
to avoid the fourth-quarter logjam. And broadcasters say that is good.

"There is so much stuff coming out now, but in January and February it is
tough to find Canadian product," says Rob Farina, PD at adult top 40 CHUM-FM in
Toronto. "Then they have a better shot at airplay." ••••
------------------------------------
BILLBOARD
August 13, 2005
Oz Report Recommends Biz, Gov't Cooperation
BY CHRISTIE ELIEZER
SYDNEY - An Australian government-funded report due in mid-August proposes
ways for the country's music business and various levels of federal and state
governments to work closer together.

However, key voices within the local industry are querying whether internal
differences can be put aside on important issues so a unified voice can be
found to engage the government.

Melbourne-based research company Allen Consulting Group compiled the report,
"Let's Get the Show on the Road," for the government-funded Contemporary Music
Working Group.

It drew on input from 100 sources across the music sector, including trade
group the Australian Record Industry Assn. and authors' rights body the
Australian Performing Right Assn.

The report's recommendations will be assessed during the next 12 months by
relevant ministries covering the arts, trade, copyright, technology, tourism and
indigenous affairs. Government sources estimate that any approved
recommendations could begin to be implemented by July 2006.

Paul Bodlovich is the Perth-based executive officer of the West Australian
Music Industry Assn., a nonprofit organization that promotes and supports West
Australian talent. He says support from the government would be welcomed on
major issues.

"Traditionally there's been resistance from a large element of the Australian
music industry . . . about working with the government," Bodlovich says. "But
industries like mining and agriculture have shown that the bigger you get,
the more support you need from government."

Music executives largely agree that issues including copyright protection,
expanding export initiatives and tax benefits for investors in recording or live
entertainment require a closer relationship with the government, including
funding where appropriate. However, in the past, state funding has been seen as
piecemeal and ultimately ineffective.

Industry insiders also acknowledge that failure to present a unified voice to
the government has cost them in the past on such issues as parallel importing
and CD copying.

Philip Mortlock, managing director of Sydney-based independent Origin Music,
admits that the industry has previously come across as "an in-fighting rabble
. . . But most of us have realized we have to put up a cohesive face, not just
to the government but to the public."

The report identified the two best options for cooperation between the
parties. One would set up a government-supported music industry body similar to
the
New Zealand Music Industry Commission.

The NZMIC was established in 2002 with government funding. It is a collection
of executives from major trade bodies that works in partnership with other
trade associations, the private sector and government departments to expand
exports and develop new markets overseas. It also works to increase domestic
airplay for local acts.

The other option is to introduce a forum, the Industry Action Agenda, where
government and music industry executives would meet regularly to share
information and develop cost-effective solutions to the industry's challenges.

The ARIA has long been accepted as the main face of the country's music
business. However, other such national lobbying groups as the Sydney-based Music
Managers Forum and Brisbane-based Assn. of Independent Record Labels (AIR) have
emerged in the past eight years.

Alistair Cranney, an MMF member and managing director of Adelaide-based What
Management, argues that outsiders see the ARIA as "the main voice of the
industry, but [with] its own agenda. [However], issues can be resolved if
everyone
realizes it's for the better good."

Cranney says the music industry in Australia "is so fragmented that resolving
an issue can often seem impossible."

AIR chief executive Stuart Watters insists, though, that the leaders of the
country's various industry organizations "deeply understand the issues at stake
and know the importance of working together or losing everything."

Mortlock, who is a member of the AIR board and an associate independent
member of the ARIA board, adds that there is "already a lot of dialogue and
exchange of information and contacts between the heads of ARIA and AIR."

Executives from major labels, the broadcasting sector and live entertainment
wanted more time to study the report before commenting to Billboard. ••••
Your Australian Countrymusic Connection in Canada
richard drumdee patterson
email: cancountrynews@yahoo.com
PO Box 988 Stn B Ottawa ON Canada K1P 5R1

KEITH NOMINATED FOR CANADIAN COUNTRY
MUSIC AWARD Congratulations Keith! Keith was nominated for Top Selling Album for the
2005 Canadian Country Music Awards that will be handed out September 12 in
Calgary. more!

Country-music nominees namedLast Updated Wed, 03 Aug 2005 Jason McCoy's Road Hammers tied with Paul Brandt to lead the nominations
for the Canadian Country Music Awards with six nods each.

Made up of McCoy, Clayton Bellamy and Chris Byrne, the Road Hammers were
formed for the express purpose of making music about truckers. They are
known for their signature tune, I'm a Road Hammer – which garnered
nominations for song of the year, single of the year and video of the year.

(Courtesy Theroadhammers.com)
The group is also in the running for album of the year for its self-titled
debut disc, as well as for group of the year honours and the rising-star
award.

According to the band's website, McCoy, who is nominated for male artist of
the year for his solo work, put the Road Hammers band together as a side
project to pay "tribute to the men and women who call the highways of the
world their home."

The Road Hammers album includes such other songs as Hammer Goin' Down, 4
Wheel Drive and Keep on Truckin'.
The names of the nominees were unveiled at simultaneous press conferences
Wednesday in Calgary and Toronto.
Like the Road Hammers, Brandt walked away with six nominations.
Trucking also proved to be a potent theme for the perennial nominee and
winner, with his cover version of the 1975 C.W. McCall hit Convoy earning
nominations for single of the year and video of the year.

He also got nods for song of the year for the single Home, as well
nominations for album of the year, male artist of the year and the fans'
choice award.

Nashville Star alumnus George Canyon is up for a total of five prizes,
including male artist of the year. Alberta singer/songwriter Caroyln Dawn
Johnson received four nods, as did the Corb Lund Band and the Poverty
Plainsmen.

Given out by the Canadian Country Music Association, the Canadian Country
Music Awards honour excellence in a total of 38 categories.

Besides the well-known awards, there are also categories set aside for such
things as the booking agent of the year, country fair of the year and night
club of the year.

The gala awards ceremony will take place in Calgary, which was chosen as the
location to commemorate Alberta's centennial.

Brandt will host the event, which will be broadcast on CBC on Sept. 12. CMT
will rebroadcast the ceremony at a later date.
Your Australian Countrymusic Connection in Canada
richard drumdee patterson
email: cancountrynews@yahoo.com
PO Box 988 Stn B Ottawa ON Canada K1P 5R1

In fact the fan is some one who writes a lot
about Australian as well as country music from his homeland Canada.
Richard Drumdee Patterson keeps us up to date at Saturday Night Country with
the latest country music news from Canada. He went along to the concert on
April 9th in Ottawa Canada.
We have had a lot of pictures from Keith's shows there...but now here's a
"fan foto" !
If you have any from any other of Keiths shows we would love to see them.
Perhaps you were lucky enough to meet Keith and have a picture taken with
him.
We would love to hear your story about that.
Also if you haven't already been there, on our previous Keith story you can
hear the first part of an interview from some years ago that we recorded.
It's a podcast so you can down load it and listen at your leisure.

Tonight at Massey Hall, 'Gord is back'
By JAMES ADAMS
Wednesday, May 18, 2005

If there was a Mount Rushmore in Canada, we wouldn't have any
politicians on it, that's for sure. There'd be Peter Gzowski, Gordon
Lightfoot, he'd be on it, people like that."
-- Murray McLauchlan

Canadians have been waiting to exhale ever since an abdominal
haemorrhage put Gordon Lightfoot into a coma in the fall of 2002. Sure,
there have been plenty of signs, particularly in the last 10 months,
that Canada's bard seems to have bounced back from his three visits to
the surgeon. These include a round of one-off benefit concerts, a brief
appearance at Mariposa 2004 and a recent evening hanging with Brian and
Bruce Good at an Ian Tyson performance in a Toronto club.

But for most, the real confirmation that "Gord is back" occurs tonight,
when Lightfoot, 66, and the four-piece band that's supported him, off
and on, for the last 18 years, take the stage of Massey Hall in Toronto.
Only then, when Lightfoot's baritone eases into Minstrel of the Dawn or
Never Too Close or Don Quixote, then continues for another 21 or 22
self-penned songs, will Canucks permit themselves a genuine sigh of
relief. Until now, the sporadic reports of Lightfoot sightings at this
award show or that, or playing three consecutive dates in Vegas, have
been a kind of tease, an anticipation of tonight's pleasures.

In one sense, Lightfoot's appearance -- the first of four consecutive
Massey Hall shows -- is rather beside the point. The 2,600 or so fans at
tonight's gig likely have committed to memory at least 90 per cent of
the lyrics, melodies and arrangements Lightfoot will unveil. Never the
most arresting or at least the most comfortable of on-stage performers,
it's Lightfoot's songs that are his monument. As Tyson remarked
yesterday from his ranch in Alberta, "He's in a class by himself, in
terms of presentation and the level of his stuff and the tremendous
consistency he's shown, especially the things he did in the 1970s. . . .
I hope it goes terrific tonight. I'm sure it will."
Another friend who has Lightfoot in her thoughts this week is classical
guitarist Liona Boyd. Contacted at her home in Florida, she said,
"Gordon will always have a special place in my heart for his generosity
and for helping me launch my career." Indeed, it was in the
mid-seventies that Lightfoot, then at the height of his fame and
creative powers, invited the twentysomething Boyd to go on tour with him
to open an estimated 100 concerts. "He introduced me to a life of limos,
Lear jets, sold-out arenas and hockey stadiums, encounters with people
like John Denver and Kris Kristofferson, New York agents . . . and
helped me build a significant fan base of my own.

"What I admire about his music," she added, "is that he always kept his
course and didn't listen to managers or record companies who were trying
to make him more 'commercial.' His style was unique -- and so
representative of Canada."

Boyd said she spoke twice with Lightfoot during his recovery in hospital
in Hamilton. "I'm delighted he's recovered and is back again, singing. I
only regret that we never recorded some music together as we were both
such fans of each other's styles. Maybe there's still time. I'm ready
and willing!"

Speaking this week from London, Bonnie Dobson, composer of the classic
post-apocalypse ballad Morning Dew, recalled her first meeting with
Lightfoot, in the late summer of 1965 at an all-Canadian folk festival
in Sault Ste. Marie. A Toronto native, Dobson had moved to New York in
1960, "because that's what you did if you were a folk artist then."

The Soo festival "was a most remarkable weekend," she said, and
Lightfoot, who'd already had his songs covered by Peter, Paul and Mary,
and Marty Robbins, "was a model of generosity and completely without
affectation. I can't say enough nice things about him. I went back to
New York after that, but then I thought, 'Why am I living in New York
when I could be back in Canada with all those great performers and
songwriters?' " Dobson did eventually return to Canada to live in
Toronto for four years before moving to England in the late 1960s.
"Whenever I'd be homesick over there, I'd listen to two artists on my
record player: Gordon Lightfoot and Joni Mitchell."

David Wiffen -- the Ottawa-based composer of such famous songs as Drivin'
Wheel, More Often Than Not and Coast to Coast Fever and a member, with
Bruce Cockburn, of Three's a Crowd -- first met Lightfoot in the early
1960s when Lightfoot was one-half of the Two Tones duo and a regular at
the now-defunct Village Corner coffee house in Toronto.

"I always admired Gord as a performer from the first time I saw him," he
recalled this week. Later, Wiffen wrote a song, The Ballad of Jacob
Marlowe, "with Gord in mind to sing because I always felt that Gord was
an excellent storyteller."

Murray McLauchlan, one of that generation of Canadian singer-songwriters
who followed in Lightfoot's footsteps in the early 1970s, noted in late
2003 that while Lightfoot is "a visceral writer" who seems to require
the ups and downs of his life to fuel his creativity, he's also a
trained composer, having studied orchestration in Los Angeles in the
late 1950s.

"Gord writes like Mozart. He writes down actual notes on staff paper.
Everybody else just gets a bottle of Scotch and hammers away until he
gets something. Or not."

McLauchlan noted how Lightfoot managed to become "this huge, successful
pop artist," most significantly in the 1970s, "while maintaining this
long-lasting core of fans as a folk artist.

"I mean, you can't go into a Tim Hortons or a Canadian Tire in this
country and not find someone in the checkout line who knows something by
Lightfoot.

"They may not have the records at home, but they'll be able to sing you
something from The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald or If You Could Read
My Mind."

Keith Urban
Country music superstar has travelled a long road
story by Richard Moule
It's the voice that catches you off guard. Country music superstar Keith
Urban may have a smooth singing voice, but in conversation, he retains
his distinctive Australian accent. With his chiseled features and
windswept blonde hair, it would be easy to mistake Urban as a California
surfer or the rebellious son of a Texas farmer, but he was born in New
Zealand and raised in Australia. That's right, one of the biggest names
in country music is an Aussie. This is why Urban chuckles that his
accent sometimes throws people off.

'Every now and then I still get that at meet-and-greets, mostly from
kids who haven't heard me speak, having only seen me in videos or heard
me on record. When they hear me speaking they freak out,' he laughs back
stage before a show in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 'That was another of the
things about moving to Nashville. I'd been playing country music in
talent shows, since I was seven years old, so it was so natural for me
to sing one way and speak in a different way, but I can understand how
much of a shock it was to everybody else.'

Not that it matters now. With his latest album, Be Here (EMI Music),
Urban is hotter than the Australian outback in the middle of the summer.
It's his most personal statement yet, with Urban co-producing and
co-writing most of the songs. The album title seems to work on two
different levels: one about living and enjoying life in the moment and
on a more philosophical level, it seems to be about just being grateful
to be here at this time and place.

'It's just about being present in everything, from what you get out of
life to being in conversation with somebody. Sometimes you're talking to
somebody and you realize that they are miles away. And you're like, 'Be
here. I'm trying to share something with you!' I'm very much in the
middle of my life and I seem to have spent a lot of my time on the
perimeter of it and not really being fully cognizant of everything that
was happening and enjoying it. When you start to worry about what is
happening in your life you're not really in the middle of your life,
you're on the perimeter. I feel really good about being at the center of
it as I have ever been in my life.'

On Be Here, Urban tackles some of the big questions of life, from its
good times (You're My Better Half, Making Memories of Us and God's Been
Good To Me) to its darker moments (Tonight I Wanna Cry, The Hard Way and
Nobody Drinks Alone). If there is a common thread that runs through the
record it is perseverance.

'If there is a theme I think it is life, about its ups and downs, the
joys, the sorrows, the sense of freedom. Even the freedom we don't have
yet, but the freedom we would like to have. One of the great human
traits is the optimism that comes from the spirit, from the sense that
we are worth more than this. We strive for it, work hard for it, and
rise above it. You can't live your life in a peaceful bubble without
experiencing the realities of life. Without getting too deep, we're all
just spiritual beings having a human experience and it can be tough. It
can be a challenge.'

Urban knows what facing challenges head on is all about, but he has also
been blessed with extraordinary talent and determination. Even at an
early age, Urban dreamed of the bright lights of Nashville. Upon
arriving from New Zealand, Urban's family settled in the northern
Australian city of Brisbane. At six he picked up the guitar, captivated
by his dad's country music collection that included artists like Don
Williams, Charley Pride, Glen Campbell and Dolly Parton. By eight, he
was winning local talent contests. When he was 10, his family moved to a
farming community north of Brisbane called Caboolture, buying a 12-acre
farm. By 15 he quit school and hit the road, playing mostly for cover
bands in Aussie rock pubs in the big cities. It was there that he
developed his hybrid country/rock style.

'It was everything. Ronnie Milsap was big in the '80s and I was doing
Stranger In My House and then covering some Aussie pub rock bands. John
Mellencamp. Creedence Clearwater Revival. Steve Miller Band. Just mixing
it all up. I look back and realize that all those songs in those cover
bands were helping me to formulate my style.

'As the years have gone on I've started to look back at Bernie Taupin as
a fantastic lyricist,' explains Urban, who covers the Elton John/Bernie
Taupin classic Country Comfort on Be Here. ' I like a lot of lyricists
who seem to write almost as stream of consciousness, too. I think a lot
of times John Lennon wrote like that without getting cerebrally poetic.'

In terms of guitarists, two musicians stand out for Urban: Dire Straits'
Mark Knopfler and Fleetwood Mac's Lindsay Buckingham. Why those two and
not traditional country pickers like Merle Travis or Chet Atkins?

'Melody. I think that's it in a single word, especially with Knopfler.
His sense of melody is absolutely beautiful. And you can hear the
influence of Chet and Clapton as well,' analyzes Urban. 'And with
Lindsay, it's the same thing. I can't pick anybody's influence in his
playing. He sounds so original.'

Like Vince Gill, Urban is that rare musician who is a triple threat as a
guitarist, songwriter and vocalist. It was with these tools that Urban
thought he would win over Nashville when he moved there in 1992, after
recording a solo album in his homeland in 1990 that yielded four number
one country hits.

But there were a few rough years until his trio, The Ranch, began to
generate some buzz. Then, his 2000 self-titled album (with its three Top
5 hits, including the number one smash But For The Grace of God) proved
to be the breakthrough he was looking for. A year later, Urban won the
Country Music Association's prestigious Horizon Award and the Top New
Male Vocalist Award at the Academy of Country Music Awards. Then came
2002's Golden Road and the rest is history.

When asked whether he is Down Under's greatest musical export now, his
modesty is self-evident.

'Oh, I'm very fortunate to be doing what I'm doing. Again, I just had a
crazy singular focus of what I wanted to do and that was live in
Nashville, make records and tour. It wasn't any more specific than that.
It wasn't how many records, how many songs, or how high in the charts.
And awards, they never entered into it. I just had this vague overall
plan. It just started coming together. Every day I look around and say,
'God, this is amazing.'' .

PAUL BRANDT
ROCKS THE HOUSE The show opened with PAUL BRANDT rocking the walls of
Rexall Place in Edmonton with his latest hit, ‘Convoy’. A
star-studded event, filled with great performances and boot
stompin’ music. JULIE ROBERTS, JASON McCOY, THE WILKINSONS, GEORGE
CANYON, LISA BROKOP and many more were in attendance and AARON
LINES, AARON PRITCHETT, EMERSON DRIVE and GRETCHEN WILSON all
rocked the house with outstanding performances. It is an event you
won’t want to miss; it’s this year’s Canadian Country Music Awards
and CMT has got it tonight at 9 p.m. EST. Tune in to
see which stars shine the brightest!
More info on Paul Brandt.

Albertan Carolyn Dawn Johnson steals show at

Canadian Country Music
AwardsSuzanne Beaubien
Canadian Press
September 14, 2004

Carolyn Dawn Johnson
accepts her award for Single of the Year. (CP /Jeff McIntosh)
EDMONTON (CP) - Alberta songstress Carolyn Dawn Johnson stole the show
Monday night at the Canadian Country Music Awards.
Nominated in almost every category she was eligible for, the
34-year-old from Deadwood, Alta., won four awards on the strength of
her second album Dress Rehearsal, released in 2004.

"What a great way to start the night," cheered a happily tearful
Johnson after she was presented with her first award of the evening,
single of the year.
She also took home SOCAN song of the year, CMT video of the year and,
along with co-producer Dann Huff, producer of the year in Sunday
night's industry awards.
"OK, you're making me feel really special," said Johnson, who didn't
have time to sit down as she accepted the first four awards in the
two-hour show at Rexall Place.

Though Johnson took home the most awards Monday night,
it was spunky fan favourite Terri Clark who brought some sizzle to the
sold-out show that was broadcast by CBC Television and CMT in the U.S.

Throwing her hands in the air and mouthing, "I love you" to the
camera, Clark bounded to the stage to accept her fifth fan's choice
award - one more than the previous record set by k.d. lang.
"I'm just a kid from Medicine Hat who wanted to be Reba McEntire,"
said the 36-year-old Albertan, who also took home the award for female
vocalist of the year.
"I'll play for you for the rest of my life if you keep listening," she
promised her fans, many of whom stayed after the show to chant her
name as she made her way to a waiting limo.

Before presenting the award for male artist of the year, Clark
compared music to sex, saying, "You can't live without 'em and you
just can't get enough of 'em," of the nominees.

When Jason
McCoy's name was called, he ran to the stage and hugged Clark, burying
his face in her chest. "All that talk of sex," joked the 34-year-old from Minesing,
Ont. "I got all worked up."

Manitoba band Doc
Walker grabbed their first group of the year award and George Canyon
was chosen as the rising star of the year.

"I can't believe I have
this," said Canyon, tipping his black cowboy hat.
The 34-year-old singer from Pictou County, N.S., recently placed
second in the USA Network's Nashville Star talent search. He's since
been signed to Universal South.
"It's been 14 years, but if you want to call me an overnight success,
I'll take it," he said after the show.

Edmonton's
Corb Lund Band - chosen as the roots artist of the year - joined
nominees Sean Hogan and Blackie and the Rodeo Kings for a special
performance saluting the Good Brothers and their induction into the
Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. "This is a great compliment here in our home town," said Lund,
former front man of indie rock band the Smalls, who thanked "all the
people who like their country a little bit scruffy."

.......more........

Five-time host Paul Brandt kicked off the night with a
splashy production of C.W. McCall's 1976 hit Convoy, flanked by Aaron
Lines, award winners McCoy and Canyon and marching members of the
Canadian military from CFB Wainwright in northern Alberta.

Other performances included Doc Walker, Emerson Drive and a videotaped
performance of Keith and Clark in Hartford, Conn.
Clad in tight blue jeans and a large silver belt buckle,
self-described "Redneck Woman" Gretchen Wilson from Nashville, Tenn.,
performed her hit Here for the Party to the crowd of 7,500.

It is with great sadness and regret we report that Canadian rockabilly
legend Ray Condo has unexpectedly died at the age of 53.

Condo was born in Hull, Quebec and was raised on a musical diet of Elvis,
Hank Williams and Ronnie Hawkins. Although Condo’s first band (which he
formed after moving to Vancouver) was a punk act called The Secret Vs, he
eventually found his way back to his roots, becoming interested in
rockabilly and western swing. He spent 11 years in Montreal playing with
the band The Hardrock Goners before returning again to Vancouver to front
Ray Condo And The Ricochets.

The Richochets led many young Canadian indie club patrons to rockabilly,
as the band toured incessantly over the years. They released a series of
albums, the most recent one being 2000’s High And Wild. Condo was still in
prime touring shape before his death, with plans to visit Australia,
Europe and the U.S.

Naturally, the Canadian roots and rock scenes are in mourning this tragic
news and a few events have been scheduled in Condo’s memory. Vancouverites
can celebrate Condo’s life this Saturday (April 17) at the Railway Club
from 4 to 7 p.m. Another tribute will be held in Montreal on Saturday at
the Wheel Club. In Toronto photographer Gayle Hurmuses will celebrate what
would have been Condo’s 54th birthday on May 16. Torontonians should keep
their eyes on local listings for more info on that event as the date draws
closer.

Ray Condo dies at 54. Was performer 'on a mission'
Fixture on montreal's live music scene. Founder of the Hardrock Goners
known internationally in rockabilly circles

BERNARD PERUSSE
The Gazette
April 17, 2004
Rockabilly musician Ray Condo moved to the West Coast in 1991 after
spending years on Montreal's club circuit. His body was found in a
Vancouver apartment on Thursday.
CREDIT: GORDON BECK, GAZETTE

Ray Condo, a fixture on Montreal's live-music scene in the late 1980s, has
died at age 54.

The singer's body was found Thursday in his Vancouver apartment, said
Peter Sandmark, drummer for the Hardrock Goners, Condo's former backing
band. The cause of death is being determined, Sandmark said.

Born Ray Tremblay in Hull, Condo released his first record when he was 16,
as part of the Peasants, a British Invasion-style group. After performing
in a Vancouver punk band, the Secret Vs, he relocated to Montreal in 1984,
where he formed the Hardrock Goners. The rockabilly-revivalist combo
incorporated blues, country and western swing in its sound, specializing
in forgotten classics with a backbeat.

Chris Hand, who owns Zeke's Gallery, saw the group live many times. He
recalled Condo as a man who "put heart and soul into everything," and
described his stage presence as "manic, all over the place - everything a
rockabilly band should be."

After tiring of the Montreal club circuit, Condo returned to Vancouver in
1991. Even so, the Montreal-based Goners toured with him for another three
years before the band stopped performing. Condo then formed the Ricochets,
with whom he recorded Swing, Brother, Swing, and Door to Door Maniac. High
and Wild, their last album, was released in 2000. He was to have performed
last night in Vancouver.

"He'll be remembered as a Canadian rock 'n' roll legend," Sandmark said,
noting Condo was known internationally in rockabilly circles, though his
records were not easily available. When the two were last together in
Vancouver in February, they joked about it. "He was the best-known
Canadian rocker nobody's ever heard," Sandmark said.

But it was Condo's passion that Sandmark remembered yesterday. "He was no
sellout," he said. "Ray was really dedicated to the music - to preserving
the classics, like Hank Williams and roots rock 'n' roll. He thought
America had forgotten its roots, that this music was America's
contribution to the world.

"He always used to say, 'We're on a mission to keep it alive.' "

Sandmark said he and his band Slim Sandy, will pay tribute to Condo when
they play the Wheel Club on Cavendish Blvd. tonight.

Online Extra. Ray Condo was part of a scene that brought together some of
Montreal's most spirited musicians. For a 1996 article about that scene
and Ray Condo's role in it, check our revamped Web site:
www.montrealgazette.com

Toronto ON Canada (October 10, 2003)
– Released September 16 on True North Records, one of
North America’s most highly respected folk and roots music labels,
so rudely interrupted is the critically
acclaimed reunion album by Australian roots music pioneers Greg
Quill and Kerryn Tolhurst.

The Canadian Radio CanCon
Report, published October 5, listed so rudely
interrupted as the second most played Canadian album on
Canadian folk and roots music radio stations in September.

Recorded in New York,
Australia and Toronto, it is the first work from songwriters Quill and
Tolhurst since the mid-1970s, when they collaborated on the hits
“Gypsy Queen” and “Wintersong” for the
Australian seminal folk-rock band Country Radio, and The
Outlaw's Reply, Quill's groundbreaking solo album.
Tolhurst was also a founding member of The Dingoes, and
wrote many of the popular country rock outfit's enduring hits, including
“Way Out West”. In the mid-1980s, Tolhurst’s
“All Fired Up” (Pat Benatar) and “Man On Your Mind”
(Little River Band) charted on Billboard’s Top 20.

Greg Quill is the Toronto Star’s
senior entertainment columnist. Kerryn Tolhurst, in addition to his own
body of work, has produced roots music artists Paul Kelly,
Jeff Lang, Russell Crowe, and R&B
legend Jimmy Norman, among many others.

Artwork for the CD was created by award-winning
Canadian graphic artist and designer Hugh Syme (Rush, The Band,
Aerosmith, Bon Jovi).

so rudely interrupted was
introduced in March to Australian audiences at the Port Fairy Folk
Festival and the Brunswick Music Festival in Melbourne, and at concert
club and pub dates in Sydney, Hobart and points in between, including
live performances on ABC National Radio. It was the first time the two
musicians had performed together in Australia since 1975.

After its Australian release in April
2003 via MGM distribution, so rudely interrupted
was listed for four months in the Top 40 of Australia's Rhythms
magazine, the national roots music bible.

Amanda Wilkinson, the pretty teenage
girl who sang the lead on The Wilkinson's "26 Cents", is flying solo. Wilkinson has signed a new recording contract with
Universal South. Tony Brown will produce.

Paul
Brandt

From
Calgary, Alberta.Paul was
raised on country and gospel music.After
winning a local talent contest, Paul made his way to Nashville and secured
a recording deal with Warner/Reprise.His first album Calm Before The Storm was an instant smash with #1
singles, “My Heart Has A History” and “I Do”.

He
has become one of Canada’s premier entertainers, ambassadors and
supporters of numerous humanitarian causes.His patriotic 2001 single “Canadian Man” was re-worded after
Canada’s Olympic Hockey victories and“Canadian
Man – Hockey Version” became a national sports anthem.

Awards:

CCMA
Male Vocalist of the Year – 2002, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997

CCMA
Single of the Year – 1997

CCMA
Video of the Year – 2000, 1997

CCMA
Album of the Year - 2002

SOCAN
CCMA Song Of The Year – 1996, 1997

JUNO
Country Male Vocalist of the Year – 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997

JUNO
Male Vocalist of the Year – 1998

Billboard
Best Selling New Male Artist – 1996

CMT
Top New Male Artist - 1997

2X
Platinum album for Calm Before The Storm – 1997

Gold
album for Outside The Frame - 1998

Humanitarian
of the Year - 1998

Albums
released in Australia:

1996
– Calm Before The Storm (Warner)

1997
– Outside The Frame (Warner)

2002
– Small Towns, Big Dreams (To Be Released)

Singles
released in Australia:

My
Heart Has A History

I
Do

A
Little In Love

Jason
McCoy

From
Barrie, Ontario, Jason has released (3) albums with Universal Music Canada
since 1995 and has become one of Canada’s top country music stars.His consistent touring and exciting live show have helped him
receive three nominations for CCMA Entertainer of the Year.

Jason
made his first appearance at the Tamworth Festival in January 2002 as part
of an International Singer-Songwriter’s Showcase that also featured Jim
Lauderdale, Fred Eaglesmith and Kim Richey.

From
Brantford, Ontario, Fred has become one of North America’s most
consistent touring performers.The
critically acclaimed troubadour has performed all over North America,
Europe and Australia.He has
won a Juno and has had his songs covered by many artists including Dar
Williams, Cowboy Junkies and Australian superstar, Kasey Chambers.

Fred’s
songs have appeared in films by Martin Scorsese and James Caan.His devoted fan base grows each and every time he returns to a
market.Fred is looking
forward to returning to Australia.

Australian Jedd Hughes was asked up on stage to play some lead for
Audrey Auld.

The Canadian Connection Jason
McCoy

and Fred Eaglesmith

plus US Kim Richey and

Jim Lauderdale

Tamworth Festival

2002

Bruce Woytuik & Julie
Collis Report

Tamworth,
N.S.W., Australia; a quite, small country about 300 km northwest of Sydney, once
again became the center of Australian Country Music by hosting the 30th
annual Tamworth Carlton Country Music Festival.

For the 3rd
year now, International Country talent has been showcased at the West Tamworth
League Club. The International Singer Song Writers Concert Series this year
featured Canadian artists; Jason McCoy and Fred Eaglesmith; U.S. artists Kim
Richey and Jim Lauderdale and Australia’s own Audrey Auld. The format was up
close and personal as each artist took turns presenting his or her material in
the two-hour show.

Rod Laing,
CEO of “Wests” and Rob Potts, CEO of Allied Artists are both pleased with
the way this concert series has taken off and promise it will become an annual
feature event. Both should to be commended for their vision and efforts in
showcasing non-Australian artists.Rob
Potts and Ron Kitchener (Jason McCoy’s Manager) are working closely together
to arrange for a similar exchange that would see Australian artists coming to
Canada to feature their work.Cultural
exchange is a good thing!

We
attended the shows and had the opportunity to talk with Jason, Fred and the
other performers after the shows and made some notes to share with you.

Fred
Eaglesmith started to have fun with the crowd dishing out philosophy and humor
in large helpings from the first show. On the Aussie culture, Fred observed,
“Aussies are just like Canadians except you talk funny, eat strange things and
drive on the wrong side of the road, but other than that we’re exactly the
same”.The best of Fred’s rants
was on the use of eggs on hamburgers and pizza; “It’s just wrong! You put
eggs on everything! When I order a coke I tell them to hold the egg”.Folks came back night after night just to hear what Fred
might say next.When asked about
how he liked the festival; “It’s a lot of fun! I’m not main stream country
but a lot of folks recognize my music”.Fred
was being modest. There were “Fred Heads” in the crowd every night including
Aussie country legend Bill Chambers and his daughter Country Music diva Kasey
Chambers. She even came up and did a song with Fred.

Jason McCoy
had a pretty rough first night. Looking as white as a sheet he toughed it out
for three songs before succumbing to a mild case of food poisoning. As he
explained in Aussie lingo the next night, “I got crook on bad chook”
(translated – I got sick on bad chicken). The audience often got a good
chuckle out of the faux pas made by all the artists as they struggled with the
Aussie language.Jason too found
that the Australians reminded him of Canadians. “The people are really
friendly and appreciative of the music”. As to the festival itself, “I’m
amazed to see so many shows and all the buskers. Big festivals in Canada and the
US are more business oriented. This is more about the music itself.”Jason pointed out that “the record buyer in Australia is very educated
as to which artist is on what label and they understand and get involved in the
music business too”. Another observation was that “the problems artists face
touring are similar in both Canada and Australia because the geography of the
countries are similar…long distances between shows”. Beside the concert
series, Jason made many guest appearances at other shows around town and opened
a show for the CMAA 2001 Vocalist of the Year, Beccy Cole.

Jason and
Fred were not the only Canadian acts in Tamworth. Shirley Myers was back in town
for her second year at the festival. Our first glimpse of Shirley was as she
rode past us on a horse in the Cavalcade of Stars on Saturday morning. We
finally caught up with her and Manager Peter Leggett that night at the Tamworth
RSL Club in an auditorium packed with her fans. The crowd was particularly
responsive to her new song “What Our Flag Stands For” especially when she
waved the Aussie flag (it was Australia Day after all).Shirley too had good things to say about the festival and the
fan support. “This festival promotes more interaction amongst the artists and
the fans. It is something we can learn from.” Shirley is “looking forward to
expanding her career in Australia and loves the loyal fans she has there”. She
is also looking forward to doing some writing with Steve Gibson, an Aussie
version of Chris LeDoux, who will be heading to Nashville in March to do some
recording.

Another
Canadian in Tamworth was Barry Dane, International Tourism Manager for the
Calgary Stampede. Barry was down checking out the festival, its organization and
way things were done there in general. He’s going back with a lot of ideas
that we may just see incorporated in future Stampedes such as an innovative
Official Program Guide and even portable air conditioning units.No shortage of good ideas those Aussies.

Finally,
the Canadian connection with Tamworth 2003 has already begun. The Laws, John and
Michele Law, who toured Bluegrass and Folk festivals in Australia during October
and November, have been booked to play at “The Pub”, one of the hot spots
in

Tamworth 2002 – “It’s a Pearler” -
Bruce Woytuik

Want to
know the recipe for one of the top 10 Music Festivals in the world?

Take
one small, country town of about 30,000 people; add 11 days of Country Music at
2000 advertised events; incorporate 750 plus artists making 3200 separate
appearances at over 100 different venues; mix in nearly half a million liters of
beer and 400,000 liters of bottled water and bake at 30 – 40 degrees Celsius
for the duration and you have the Tamworth Carlton Country Music Festival. This
recipe serves over 50,000 visitors daily!

The
Carlton Country Music Festival at Tamworth is the hallmark event in the
Australian Country Music scene and runs every year from Friday, January 18th
to Monday, January 28th. This year, 2002, the festival celebrated its
30th (Pearl) Anniversary culminating, as always, with the Country
Music Association of Australia’s (CMAA)’“Golden Guitar” Awards.

Tamworth
showcases just about every type and style of country sound you can get: from
traditional country, country rock, country ballads, crossover, western swing,
bush music, bluegrass, yodeling, bush poetry to inspired instrumentals. You’ll
hear all this music performed in the clubs and pubs, shopping centers, coffee
shops, hotels and motels, auditoriums and school halls, in the parks and
pathways and of course on Peel Street, home of the festivals’ starry-eyed
“buskers”. There’s a non-stop carnival atmosphere at this family festival.
It’s laid-back, well behaved and everyone, young and old alike are drawn back
year after year.

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